Smart Balance Bike

Training wheels seem like a great idea... until it’s time to take them off. Skip that step entirely with an idea borrowed from Europe: the balance bike. No pedals, no brakes, no training wheels-- just a simple thing on two wide wheels where kids push off with their feet to go, and slap their feet down to stop. We’re suckers for the carefree whimsy of the spring fever version, and the undeniable cool of its chopper cousin.(Smart Gear, $75.16)